I have had many discussions with artists over the years, especially here at Incamminati, about their personal dialogue with themselves, about themselves, as artists, as persons. Perhaps a few do not struggle with feelings of inadequacy, but there is a good number who do. I have struggled with my own thoughts and feelings about myself and my work. In fact, I'm probably a notable warrior in this vicious battle.Several things have helped me overcome feelings and thoughts of inadequacy: I heard Richard Schmidt once say that he does not degrade himself or his art...(that was sort of a wake-up call for me!). Having Nelson Shanks tell me to "rise to the challenge of painting..."(never forgot that!). Reading the book "Painting and the Personal Equation," by Charles Woodbury, and landing on the passage where he says to become a better painter, he or she has to change as a person. Lastly, I got completely exhausted from questioning myself and my work. That kind of self-dialogue just doesn’t help...it gets in the way of progress, and it just is not necessary!
I had one student who used to perpetually degrade herself and her art, and I used to tell her over and over that she had to quit doing that. She continued taking my Saturday class, and slowly started to improve. One day I asked her how she had turned this corner, and she just said “I got tired of being so negative.” Hmmmm...
So, the purpose of this entry is to invite others to write in about their own metamorphosis from self-induced slug to self-proclaimed viable and veritable artist. I would love to hear from everyone, and anyone…
